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Trademark Search
Start with a trademark search to identify obvious conflicts, similar marks, and filing risk before the application is submitted.
China Trademark & IP Protection Services
Kerui helps foreign brands understand China trademark registration, IP protection options, first-to-file risk, and partner-led filing options before market entry.
Trademark filing is coordinated through Kerui’s IP partner under Kerui’s project management, so you get a single point of contact while the filing itself is handled by a specialized IP firm.
- China Trademark Registration & Search Guidance
- Copyright, Software Copyright & Customs Recordation Topics
- Guidance on First-to-File Risk
- Full IP Filing Coordination
The China Trademark Registration Process
2
Application Filing
Once the filing basis is confirmed, the application is prepared and submitted through the formal registration process.
3
Formality Examination
The formality review stage usually takes around one month and focuses on whether the filing documents meet the basic formal requirements.
4
Substantive Examination
The substantive review stage usually takes around six to nine months and focuses on registrability, conflict risk, and the overall examination standard.
5
Publication Period
After passing examination, the mark enters a publication period of about three months for public notice and potential challenge.
6
Registration Certificate Issuance
If the process proceeds normally, the registration certificate is issued after the publication stage is completed.
Minimizing Registration Risks with Prior Trademark Search
China Follows a First-to-File Rule
China follows a first-to-file trademark system. Securing an early filing position matters more than prior business usage or brand recognition elsewhere.
What a Trademark Search Should Check
A thorough search evaluates identical marks, cross-class conflicts, and transliteration risks to reduce filing risk across your relevant product and service categories.
Why Running a Search Matters Before Filing
Pre-filing searches help avoid rejections, reduce processing delays, and flag potential conflicts before they create legal or commercial problems.
Mitigating First-to-File Risks and Brand Squatting
Another Party May File First
Without early trademark registration in China, competitors or third parties may file first. Once registered, their position takes precedence and challenging it is a costly, uncertain process.
A Lapsed Mark Needs a New Registration
If a China trademark is not renewed and expires, the original registration does not carry over. The brand has to be filed again, and another party may apply for the same mark in the meantime.
Filing Early Works Better Than Fixing Later
Starting trademark registration at the same time as company formation or supplier engagement is the most effective way to protect the brand before commercial activity begins.
Copyright, Software & Patent Protection for Foreign Brands
Copyright Registration
Copyright registration supports protection for creative works and can help document authorship and ownership in a clearer formal record.
Software Copyright Registration
Software copyright registration is relevant for digital products, systems, and software-related assets that need a clearer registration path in China.
Patent Evaluation
Patent matters may involve invention patents, utility models, or design patents. Where patent filing is relevant, a qualified assessment is required to determine the most appropriate filing approach and strategy.
Protecting Sourcing & Export Channels via China Customs Recordation
Recordation Helps Intercept Infringing Goods
After trademark, patent, or copyright rights are properly recorded with customs through the relevant recordation process, infringing goods may be identified and stopped during customs control.
Stronger Relevance for Sourcing and Export Businesses
This protection measure is especially relevant for foreign brand owners that source from China, manufacture in China, or export products from China and need a more practical protection layer beyond registration alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner register a trademark in China?
Yes. Foreign individuals and foreign companies can apply for trademark protection in China through the appropriate registration process.
Does a registered trademark need renewal later?
Yes. China trademark registrations are valid for ten years and must be renewed before expiration to maintain protection.
What if the trademark has already been filed by another party?
Further action may still be possible through opposition or other response measures, but the right path depends on the filing status, evidence condition, and the actual case background.
Does a China trademark provide global protection?
No. Trademark protection is territorial, which means protection applies according to the place of registration rather than automatically extending worldwide.
How long does the China trademark registration process take?
The overall timeline is typically 8-12 months from filing, depending on examination results, the publication period, and whether any challenges arise along the way.
Protect the Brand Before China Market Activity Expands
Whether the business is preparing for China market entry, working with China suppliers, expanding cross-border sales, or launching a local entity, early brand protection planning helps reduce avoidable filing risk.
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